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Québec City's Citadel (La Citadelle, in French) is the largest British-built fortress in North America; it took 30 years to construct. This military site has been active since 1850 when it housed British troops and the Canadian artillery. Today, the Citadel is occupied by the only Francophone infantry contingent of the Regular Canadian Armed Forces – the Royal 22e Régiment – who have called this structure home since 1920.

You can learn more about the Canadian Armed Forces at the on-site museum, which contains a notable collection of military artifacts. And if you visit around 10 a.m. between the end of June and the first Monday of September, you can witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Although this Canadian National Historic Site still functions as a military base, tourists are welcome to participate in guided tours hosted by soldiers in the Royal 22e Régiment. And while it's not cheap, recent visitors said the experience of touring the grounds is worth the ticket price. Admission costs CA$16 for adults (roughly $12.70) and CA$6 for children 17 and younger (about $4.75); entry includes a guided tour, museum entrance and access to the traditional ceremonies.

You'll find the Citadel sandwiched between the southern end of Old Québec near Battlefields Park. The site is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. May through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between November and April. Visit the Citadel website for more information.

This gorgeous park near Old Québec was the site of the legendary Battle of Québec. This was the turning point in the French and Indian War, which gave Great Britain control over Canada.
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